Module Summary – Matter and Energy (2nd Ed.)

The Matter and Energy Module consists of four sequential investigations to introduce the multiple forms that matter and energy can take and to give students experience with the transfer of energy from one form to another. Light absorption and reflection is the focus of an entire investigation. Students also conduct and observe chemical reactions and are introduced to atoms and elements.

FOSS EXPECTS STUDENTS TO

Learn that light from the Sun is the source of most of the energy on Earth.

Observe energy sources doing work and learn how energy (light, heat, motion, chemical, electric) can be converted from one form to another.

Learn that stored energy take many forms; machines and organisms can convert energy into motion and heat.

Describe how energy can be carried from one place to another by waves, electric current, and moving objects.

Learn that light energy travels in straight lines from a source.

Find out how light can reflect from the surface of a mirror.

Learn that an object is seen only when light from that object enters an eye.

Learn that white light is a mixture of all colors of light, that matter can absorb and reflect light, and that a shadow is the dark area behind objects that block light.

Learn that the apparent color of an object is the result of the light it reflects; observe that the apparent colors of an object is affected by the color of light striking it.

Explore properties of the three forms of matter (solid, liquid, and gas), including change of state.

Use metric tools to measure mass, volume, and temperature and make multiple numerical observations to improve accuracy.

Observe and analyze a chemical reaction.

Collect and analyze data to develop logical conclusions.

Predict the outcome of an event and compare the results with the prediction.

For a description of each investigation in the Matter and Energy Module and the correlations to the National Science Education Standards, download the Module Overview PDF.

To view the PDF version of the module summary, you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader plug-in. Acrobat Reader is available free from Adobe.